Back to Benoni: TGRJA Drivers Gear Up for Formula-K Showdown
Kent Swartz leads the TGRJA charge as the Senior MAX championship points leader.
With the curtain closed on the national championship season, attention now turns to the regional stage as the Northern Regions Rotax Kart Championship enters its decisive phase.
Round 5 returns to Formula-K Raceway in Benoni this weekend, the same circuit that staged the season opener back in March. For the Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy (TGRJA), the regional campaign remains crucial, with several drivers still firmly in contention for silverware.
Senior MAX: Swartz Leads the Charge
Former national and regional champion Kent Swartz heads into the weekend as the clear title contender, holding the championship lead thanks to his consistency across the season. Swartz will be looking to repeat his strong early-season form at Formula-K, where he took victory during the opening round.
Teammate Georgia Lenaerts, currently seventh in the standings, is eager to convert her pace into results after a season of mixed fortunes. Lenaerts recorded her best heat finish of the season at Formula-K during the opening round, a runner-up finish.
Junior MAX: Dowling and Shisinwana on the Hunt
In Junior MAX, the academy boasts two drivers in the thick of the battle. Tshepang Shisinwana lies second in the standings, just 15 points adrift of the leader. His pace has been evident throughout the year, and he will be determined to close the gap this weekend. Emma-Rose Dowling, who missed the opening round, is not far behind in fourth, having shown her ability to win races at both national and regional levels. With two rounds left, both drivers remain genuine championship threats.
Mini MAX: Kaiyamo Twins Continue Their Growth
Namibian twins Nande and Mandume Kaiyamo have made huge strides since joining the academy at the start of the season. Competing against Gauteng’s best, Nande currently sits seventh in the points, while Mandume is 12th. Their determination, despite balancing extensive travel and schooling commitments, continues to highlight the academy’s focus on long-term driver development.
Team Principal Leeroy Poulter is optimistic about the weekend’s prospects:
“Formula-K has always been a circuit that demands precision and bravery. Our drivers showed great pace here earlier in the season, and with some championships still open, we’re expecting another strong showing across the classes.”
Round 5 promises another intense day of Rotax competition, with qualifying and three heats deciding the overall winners. Entry for spectators is free, and fans are encouraged to come and support the next generation of South African motorsport stars.
